Buy Handmade this Holiday Season: Where to Shop

There are so many fabulous craft shows, studio sales and local places this time of year selling lovely things made by hand–whether it’s $2 or $200, there is something for every budget.

In Rhode Island:

Craftland Show
December 4-31, 7 days a week, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Open late on Thursdays and Saturdays ’til 8:00 PM.
Location: 235 Westminster Street, Providence. Admission is free.

While the Craftland Shop is now open year round, it will soon shift gears from the shop to the annual Craftland Show on December 4. Featuring over 170 artists, the Craftland Show is where you will find everything from silk-screened onesies, stuffed toys in the form of slabs of bacon, as well as fine jewelry and paintings. Always eclectic and fresh, with special events scheduled throughout the month.

Location: Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. Admission is free (donations of canned goods are encouraged–they’ll be given to the RI Food Bank)

The 27th annual Foundry Show encompasses both fine art and functional craft with works in a range of media, styles and functions including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, wood, home furnishings, clothing paintings, sculpture and photography. The show is on the first two weekends in December with a Gala Opening night (featuring live music and refreshments). A Charity Benefit Silent Auction showcasing items donated by each Foundry Artist will start on opening night. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the St. Mary’s Home for Children and the Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts.

Rag and Bone Bindery is kicking off the holiday season in a big way by inviting customers into their world of quality handmade albums and journals. The bindery company will also be offering a workshop on how to “create your own book,” as well as major discounts (as much as 25% off regular priced merchandise and 50%-70% off of already reduced clearance items) on a wide selection of items.

Alumni from all over the world come back to Providence with thousands of items for sale, including toys, fine art, greeting cards, jewelry, furniture, clothing, ceramics, and much more. Admission is $7, free for children under 14 and current RISD students.

A “pop-up” gift shop/gallery featuring RISD student own original works of art — perfect for holiday giving. Working with the Office of Student Life, the organizers found a suitable location in Downcity Providence, invited all undergrad and grad students to submit work and designed the displays and presentation.

Presenting a keen collection of local artists and crafters creating a one-of-a-kind seasonal shopping opportunity.

BUY ART
The city of Providence supports the arts with their new BUY ART program. When you shop from downcity merchants this holiday season you will receive a limited edition “I BUY ART” button created by Providence artists. Find out more about participating venues and local events at BuyArtProvidence.com.

A group of artist friends started this show in 2001 as an antidote to that dreaded other kind of craft fair (the kind with duck silhouettes stenciled on little shelves and rosebuds formed from wood shavings). Expect irresistibly clever and lovely jewelry, clothing, art, and toys.

A premiere holiday arts event with over 120 artists and crafters, food and more, just in time for all your holiday festivities! Hosted at historical Union Station, Worcester’s renovated train station boasting soaring ceilings and marble floors.

A long-running, juried show featuring the work of a changing mix of New England craftspeople and world-traveling importers. This show aims to be less like a show and more like a party where you can buy awesome stuff!

Tell your friends! Give handmade gifts this holiday season–to yourself and the ones you love. If you have a local holiday show to recommend, please share the details in the comments below.

Linda Cox Demers moved to Barrington, RI, from Chicago with her husband and two boys, ages 12 and 7. She runs her handbag and accessories business, Ã la mode, from home and has recently discovered a passion for blogging. As an independent designer , Linda enjoys promoting local artists and the “buy handmade” movement.

From ProvDailyDose: Monohasset Mills Holiday Sale â€” Saturday. Dec. 6
Monohasset Mill is Providenceâ€™s most active artist space with over 60 working artists living in 40 converted mill spaces. The Mill is home to photographers and fashion designers, ceramacists, jewelers and DJâ€™s, graphic designers, RISD profesors, art educators and more.

With residents that include the founders and owners of hyper-creative ventures such as The Steelyard, Woolly Fair, Queen of Hearts, and Firehouse13 this is an Open Studios not to be missed.

Even the folks who were living in the Mall, actually live at Monohasset.

The CREATure, a vast lighting installation in the courtyard of the Mill, will be lit at 4:30pm.
If youâ€™re looking to collect some of Providenceâ€™s finest local art, head to Monohasset Mill on December 5th.

While not yet as well-known as Craftland or the Foundry sale, this is more of the village holiday shopping experience than any other as you walk around the studio/residences, meeting the artists themselves as you browse unique artwork at amazing prices.

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Upcoming Events

March Spring Break Squash Camp Our Spring Break Camps are for everyone: Beginners, Rising Stars and Performance players. All players will begin with goal setting before going into each session and go through a review[...]

Thursdays: Art Guild, 2-4pm Are you a high school student who is interested in art and in completing community service hours? Join us for this weekly gathering of artsy teens who help out with arts-based[...]

Make A step-by-step canvas painting of of either Pikachu or Jigglypuff. Only $15 per child. Adults are free, but must assist younger children. Includes all the materials to make the painting, one glitter tattoo and[...]